
The 2026 Hosted Buyer Program
The HD Expo + Conference hosted buyer program has one goal: to create an elevated, curated experience for high volume project managers, designers, architects, and purchasers. This program returns for 2026 and chosen participants will enjoy a complimentary Experience Pass(including exclusive networking events), three-night hotel stay, up to $500 provided for domestic flights (up to $1000 for international), along with exclusive VIP perks and networking opportunities.
Apply by December 15th, 2025
Applicants will be notified of their
acceptance by January 9th, 2026
Who qualifies for the HD hosted buyer program?
That’s a great question. Here’s what we’re looking for in our hosted buyer candidates:
- Qualified buyers: If you’re a designer, architect, purchaser or brand leader with purchasing influence or design decision-making authority, then you’ve checked the first box!
- Experience: Applicants should hold a managerial-level position or higher. While six years of experience is preferred, professionals with over three years of relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.(If you have less experience, check out our New Design Professionals program!)
- Time commitment: As part of your attendance, you agree to take part in the Hosted Buyer VIP Schedule from Monday May 4th at 1pm through Thursday May 7th at 1pm.
Selected Hosted Buyers Receive:
LODGING
A three-night stay within the HD Expo + Conference block
TRANSPORTATION
Airfare reimbursement (up to $500 domestic, $1000 international)
EXPERIENCE PASS
Expo hall, CEU sessions, and Party by the Pool access
VIP PERKS
Special lounges, F+B gift cards, reserved seating and more!
…plus a few other surprises along the way!
Hear from our 2025 Buyers:
What a privilege it was to be invited to participate in this incredible event. From the delicious meals to the stunning venues, the well-organized booth tours, and the focused one-on-one meetings with suppliers, every moment felt purposeful and valuable. The agenda was thoughtfully crafted and executed with impressive attention to detail. The booth tours were a highlight for me—suppliers took the time to walk through every item, something you rarely get during a typical trade show. I discovered products and suppliers that align perfectly with my current projects, and I also had the chance to connect with industry peers I look forward to collaborating with. The week flew by, and I’m truly grateful for the experience
If you get the chance, I’d definitely recommend attending the HD Expo through the Hosted Buyer Program. It was a great experience—I connected with people from across the U.S. and even internationally, many of whom work in areas of design that are totally different from mine. We had some really insightful conversations about tech trends, shared ideas and advice, and talked through some of the challenges we’re all facing in the industry. I didn’t expect to build such strong connections, but I met some amazing people I know I’ll stay in touch with moving forward.
2025 Schedule Example
Monday, May 5, 2025
2:00 – 4:30 pm | Afternoon Arrivals |
5:00 – 6:00 pm | Penthouse Welcome Reception |
6:00 - 8:00 pm | VIP Party |
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:00 - 8:45 am | Group Breakfast and Pre-Tour Brief |
9:00 - 9:30 am | 1st Sponsor Booth Tour |
9:45 - 10:15 am | 2nd Sponsor Booth Tour |
10:30 - 11:45 am | Free time to explore the show Complete one pre-scheduled meeting |
12:00 - 1:30 pm | TBD Sponsored Lunch or Free Time |
1:30 - 5:30 pm | Free Time to Explore Show Complete three pre-scheduled meetings Reserved seating at select programming sessions |
7:30 pm | TBD Sponsored Dinner or Free Time |
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
9:00 am | TBD Sponsored breakfast or Free Time |
10:00 - 11:45 am | Free Time to Explore Show Complete two pre-scheduled meetings Reserved seating at select programming sessions |
12:00 - 1:15 am | Group Lunch and Pre-Tour Brief |
1:30 - 2:00 pm | 3rd Sponsor Booth Tour |
2:15 - 2:45 pm | 4th Sponsor Booth Tour |
2:45 - 5:30 pm | Free Time to Explore Show Complete 2 pre-scheduled meetings Reserved seating at select programming sessions |
6:30 - 8:00 pm | Party by the Pool, Marquis Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan |
8:30 pm | TBD Sponsored Dinner or Free Time |
Thursday, May 8, 2025
8:30 - 8:45 am | Group Meet Up |
9:00 - 9:30 am | 5th Sponsored Booth Tour |
9:45 - 10:15 pm | 6th Sponsored Booth Tour |
10:30 - 12:00 pm | Farewell Brunch and Tour Feedback Conversation |
1:00 pm | Departures |
*Hosted buyers are expected to arrive in time for the welcome reception and stay through 1pm on Thursday
Questions about your application or the HD hosted buyer program?
Contact Alice Bailey, please allow 24 working hours for a response.
Questions about sponsoring the HD hosted buyer program?
Contact Keeli Schmidt, please allow 24 working hours for a response.